A Peek at Sunday's Market

The new stock for tomorrows market at the Arts Centre in Melbourne is packed and ready. There will be lots of 8ply. The windy weather has helped get it all dry this week

There are 8 new knitted and felted hats, these two and a brown, green, camel & blues.

Of course there is Chunky Yarn in reds, burnt oranges, greens, purples and more. As well I have made up some bags of "Bits & Pieces" which some inventive people just love. Think I packed about 5 of these bags which are a bargain and also give you the chance to try different colours.

David and I have just come home from a BBQ at La Lal Falls near Ballarat. Not an elaborate BBQ, just some lamb and rosemary sausages, fresh bread rolls and yummy salad - and a cuppa of course. We took Darwin with us as Mopsy is away with her puppies. Sometimes Darwin is the perfect dog and today was one of those days. He looked longingly at the table but didn't jump up on anything. So proud of him. Have more photos of the lovely Lal Lal Falls area which I will post in a day or two.

Puppies and Fleece

We live just south of Ballarat and our bulbs bloom just a little later than in town . But every year they return with happy faces.

Have been washing fleece this week. Just as well I have it all dry as the rain is pelting down today. Some of the fleece will be at my stall at the Arts Centre market on Sunday. The remainder is for the next Ewe Beaut Fibre Sampler http://www.ewebeaut.blogspot.com/

And here are Mopsy's puppies one week old today. I have been informed that Mopsy is the perfect mother although she does tend to bury the pups in the straw. Can't wait to go and visit. We are certainly missing Mopsy. The big boy Darwin is enjoying special attention. Last night I wanted to bring him inside for some TLC. Darwin seemed to have other ideas and kept running off with the lead expecting to go for a walk in the dark. This morning he was perfect making up for last nights questionable behaviour.

Our next door neighbour must have sold her house although the "Sold" sign hasn't been put up. New people moving in today - well trying to move in. A truck with the biggest container arrived and took one look at the wet roadside. Lots of turning, churning mud and messed up gravel road and truck was bogged. Didn't think it was appropriate to go out with camera. Eventually the truck, container and furniture left. Guess if you purchased 10 acres you would think it would be easy to move in. The entrance to the block is quite narrow. Will keep a watch out for the next episode.

Going to have to make a mad dash to the studio - rain still heavy. Have felted hats to finish this afternoon.

Tea Cosies and Puppy News

Have been making Tea Cosies. These two I have made this week for the Arts Centre Market and I have several more nearly finished. If you are interested in tea cosies but are unable to get to the market let me know. The cosies have a knitted lining so will keep your tea warm.

Last weekend Mopsy gave birth to 9 healthy puppies, 4 more than expected. We haven't been to visit the puppies as yet. Mopsy has apparently been very protective of her new crew. If you are interested in Portuguese Water Dogs have a look at http://www.bluegrace.com/

Spinning is becoming so popular again. I have been washing fleece today, a very dark black brown, a gorgeous donkey brown and white. Took a photo and have left the camera in the studio so will post a photo tomorrow. Will take a mixture of colours to the market.

Its dark and I haven't fed the animals. They will be rather annoyed with me so had better be off and put together some meals for them. I'm sure they will understand I had an order to label and pack.

Fleece Dyeing

This week was a busy fleece dyeing week. Above is a blue, donkey brown mix with pale silver and blue where the colours meet. SOLD

And then an earthy mix of brown and olive. The English Leicester is just a wonderful wool to put in the dyepot. The lustre enhances the colours. SOLD

Used burnt orange together with green and yellow here. SOLD

And I was delighted with this blend of blue, green. purple and the softer shades inbetween.

These are all for sale on the website listed at side of blog. The wool in these colour blends is English Leicester/Merino blend.

Our wonderful dog, Mopsy is going to spend the next couple of months with her breeder. Mopsy is due to give birth to puppies in two weeks. We will really miss her. Guess we will just have to give Darwin double the attention. I will post photo puppies when they are born.

The Dogs

This is a very pregnant Mopsy. She likes to sit most of the time so I had trouble getting a photo. This morning she was helping David with the problem of fixing the car locks. Last night a failed thief drilled holes in the locks.

Here she is a pretty as ever. Puppies are due in a couple of weeks. No home birth here - Mopsy is going to stay with her breeder.

And the boy! Darwin insisted on having his photo taken. Well I think that was what the noise was all about. Love his pose next to the tree - he was doing the lean on tree very well. Perhaps he hopes to be a model for a magazine. Yes, he does need a brush.

I have some dyed fleece to show you but it is dog dinner time so back later.